KS3 Science
Year 7
The Year 7 Science course aims to introduce pupils to safe methods of working in the laboratory, to develop the basic skills needed in Science, to instil an understanding of Working Scientifically and to carry out investigations in the context of specific topics from each of the scientific disciplines. Students are taught in form groups, having Science lessons six times a fortnight, with homework being set once a week. Topics covered include;
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Particles
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Cells
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Atomic Structure
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Electricity and Electromagnetism
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Reproduction
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Space
This forms one half of the preparation for their end of key stage assessment, so that students will finish this course next year, and start their GCSE courses at the beginning of year 9.
KS3 Science Year 8
The Year 8 Science course explores further topics in Biology, Chemistry, Geology and Physics. Students continue to learn new practical techniques, develop their investigational skills and gain understanding of issues such as keeping healthy and the environmental impact of human activity. Students are taught in form groups, having Science lessons seven times a fortnight, with homework being set once a week. Topics covered include;
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Beautiful Bodies
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Earth Cycles
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Chemical Changes
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Patterns of Reactivity
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Energy Stores and Transfer
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Force and Motion
Assessment
Students’ progress will be regularly monitored through end of topic tests.There will also be two extended investigations per year to assess the ‘Investigative Skills’ and ‘Mathematical and Data Handling Skills’ strands of the SWGS standards. In these tasks, students will independently plan, risk assess, carry out and analyse their results. An assessment at the end of Year 8 will cover the topics from the two-year KS3 course and inform the final SWGS standard awarded.